France has taken steps to outlaw so-called dark stores.
France clamps down on delivery depot ‘dark stores.’
September 2022
Due to growing concerns from residents and city officials, the French government has classified “dark stores” as warehouses instead of shops. These stores are city-center depots used for instant home deliveries of food ordered over the Internet and have increased over the last two years due to the popularity of online food shopping after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their presence has caused issues for the local community, including noise from early morning deliveries and disruption caused by delivery personnel on electric bicycles and scooters.
Residents of buildings with “dark stores” replaced pre-existing grocery shops have expressed anger over the noise and disruption. At the same time, city officials are worried about the impact on public spaces and society. Paris City Hall and cities like Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier attempted to control the spread of these stores but were limited by legal loopholes and fines that were not substantial enough to have an impact.
However, after the cities joined forces, their combined pressure convinced the government to clarify town planning laws and make it easier for municipalities to shut down “dark stores.” Small Businesses Minister Olivia Grégoire stated that once the decree is finalized, “dark stores” will be officially designated warehouses, not shops, giving local mayors the power to act. Deputy mayor of Lyon, Camille Augey, stated that the issue was not just about noise and traffic disruption but about society.
None of the “dark store” operators contacted would give an interview. Still, Gorillas, one of the companies operating these stores, stated that it brought “dynamism to town centers” and would need time to study the government’s new decree before reacting. The separate phenomenon of “dark kitchens,” which are restaurants where meals are prepared for delivery, will also be affected by the new policy, although it remains unclear exactly how.
In conclusion, the French government’s classification of “dark stores” as warehouses will likely result in most of them being forced to close. The new policy aims to address the concerns of residents and city officials over the noise and disruption caused by these stores and their impact on society. The government reflects a growing trend in many countries to consider the broader societal impact of online shopping and instant delivery services.
The article is “France has taken steps to outlaw so-called dark stores.“